Chocolate Museum

Last weekend we went to Put-in-Bay, OH to celebrate our sixth wedding anniversary. We had a great time on the island and enjoyed the ferry boat ride.

For lunch we dined on the island and loved a rigatoni soup that was served at Mossback's! I need to find a recipe for the soup or return for another bowl. We checked out various sites, the Perry Monument which was under construction, toured Heinemann Winery and Crystal Cave. Also, on the island was the Chocolate Cafe with a Chocolate Museum attached.

Heinemann Winery is also the home of Crystal Cave (largest geode). It was so much fun to tour Crystal Cave and walk into the cavern was was all crystals. Also had a tour of Heinemann Winery. They grow 50% of the grapes used in their wines and grape juice. If I lived closer I would have offered wine and chocolate pairings! The cost of the tours also included a sample of wine or grape juice. If you purchase 4-6 bottles they will deliver to the Miller Ferry, which was awesome; do not need to carry bottles around with you for the day.

The museum offered information such as the history and making of chocolate and chocolate collectibles. I was surprised not to see DOVE Chocolate or MARS on the timeline. I thought the DOVE Bar would have been on the timeline? There were also to have your photo taken as Willie Wonka with the Oompa Loompas or as Lucy from the Lucille Ball Show in the chocolate episode.

The Chocolate Cafe offered chocolates from the South Bend Chocolate Company, an ice cream shop and a coffee bar with some desserts. Chocolates looked great! We had just finished lunch and were not hungry, but very thirsty since we had walked there from downtown and the temps were in the mid 80's. I enjoyed an iced Cappuccino and my husband had a raspberry iced tea. The iced Cappuccino hit the spot, a little energy boost and something cool to sip.

If you are planning a visit to South Bass Island where the Chocolate Cafe and Chocolate Museum are located, it is worth stopping in for a visit, something to drink or a chocolate to satisfy your craving.

Chocolate Cafe & Museum

820 Catawba Avenue

Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Heinemann Winery & Crystal Cave

978 Catawba Avenue

Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Mossbacks

371 NW Catawba (at Bay View Avenue)

Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Banana Caramel Sundaes!

The cinnamon-dusted almonds give this superfast, simple ice cream sundae a little something extra special!

Ingredients:
* 2 large bananas
* 1 1/3 cups vanilla ice cream (your favorite brand)
* 1/4 cup DOVE Chocolate Discoveries Chardonnay Caramel Sauce
* 1/3 cup chopped DOVE Chocolate Discoveries Cinnamon-Dusted Almonds

Preparation:
1. Cut each banana in half crosswise and then in half lengthwise to make 8 quarters. Place 2 banana quarters in each of 4 stemmed glasses or 4 individual serving bowls. Top each serving with 1/3 cup ice cream and 1 tablespoon caramel topping; sprinkle each serving with about 1 tablespoon almonds.

Notice two spoons beside this sundae. Share it with a sister, friend, better half, or better yet, use both spoons to inhale it before someone catches you and wants a bite! Just an idea....ENJOY!

Choice ingredients:

Cinnamon-dusted almonds are great to use for embellishing recipes that only need a few ingredients. Try them on desserts like cheesecake or as part of sweet-and-savory recipes such as salads or entrees.

Chardonnay Caramel Sauce made with California Chardonnay! Wonderful over cheesecake, apple pie or a Bananas Foster.

Please contact me at DecadentChocolate@gmail.com to order premium ingredients!!!